<sh>Neighbors Foundation
Needs Packers
<bt>Local non-profit organization Neighbors International Foundation (NIF) needs volunteers to help assemble care packages for U.S. troops serving in the Middle East. The Neighbors offices will be open on the following dates from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for package assembly: Aug. 25, Sept. 8 and 22, Oct. 20 and 27, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. These are good opportunities for middle school students to earn their required community service hours. Those interested in volunteering should call the Neighbors International Foundation offices in advance as there will be a maximum of ten individuals allowed per date. The Neighbors offices are located at 1146-D Walker Road in Colvin Run Center. The phone number is 703-759-2102.
<sh> Child Protective Services
Seeking Donations
<bt>The Safe Community Coalition has been asked to assist with the Fairfax County Child Protective Services clothing drive to help stock its depleted supply of clothing for the children it serves. These children come from abusive and neglectful situations requiring intervention, counseling, and, if necessary, placement in foster care. Donations of new clothing for boys and girls, newborns through age 4, and clothing gift cards for older children are being collected at the Dranesville District office (located at 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101) throughout the month of August. As back to school shopping begins, this is an opportunity to show children in the community who need help by purchasing a new clothing item to restock county Child Protective Services supplies. For more information about Child Protective Services and the Department of Family Services, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/. For questions on donations, call 703-288-5429 or e-mail katherine.ryan@fairfaxcounty.gov.
<sh>Embry Rucker Shelter
Needs Meals
<bt>The Embry Rucker Community Shelter needs bagged meals. The shelter, operated by Reston Interfaith, provides bagged meals for both shelter residents and drop-in clients throughout the year. Show off culinary skills and ensure that neighbors in need receive a nutritious meal by purchasing food, preparing and delivering bagged meals using provided guidelines. Volunteers prepare the meals from their own off-site location. This is an opportunity for youth, families and groups of all kinds. Contact Mandy Guernsey at Mandy.Guernsey@restoninterfaith.org or 571-323-9565 to receive a copy of Food Preparation Guidelines and to schedule a donation.